(above photograph by Stefaan Temmerman) (above artwork by Fortifem.fr) |
AMENRA is renowned for the intensity of their live performances; often brooding, always evocative. Over the course of five full-length albums, and numerous split releases, the band has carved itself a nook in the affections of fans over the past twelve years. Their rhythmic, even tribal, and nihilistic bludgeoning interspersed with delicate twists has cemented the outfit as a firm favorite with open-minded fans of sludge, doom, drone and everything in between.
In 2009 when the band recorded an acoustic EP, entitled Afterlife, and played select shows with this material, they retained their unique atmospherics, but introduced a lighter yet still deeply personal element to their output. AMENRA mastermind Colin H. Van Eeckhout explains the motivation behind the EP as “borne out of the idea that we wanted to be able to counsel, speak to and guide our (grand) children long after we are gone.”
The band is also scheduled to perform at a series of European dates this Fall, including a date at Amplifest in Portugal, with additional shows in France and the UK confirmed. A band like no other, the sounds of AMENRA are raw, honest and sincere, which often provides a helpful guide to listeners when facing the tribulations of life. With that being said, their live presence is simultaneously visceral yet ethereal, crushing yet cathartic, making these dates not to be missed.
AMENRA tour dates:
SUN 20/09: AMPLIFEST, PORTO PO
THU 1/10: DIVAN DU MONDE, PARIS FR
FRI 2/10: L'ASTROLABE, ORLEANS FR
FRI 6/11: BODEGA SOCIAL CLUB, NOTTINGHAM UK
SAT 7/11: DAMNATION FEST, LEEDS UK
SUN 8/11: HEAVEN, LONDON UK
SAT 16/04: ROADBURN FESTVAL, TILBURG NL
SAT 17/04: ROADBURN FESTVAL, TILBURG NL
In addition to writing the mentioned upcoming albums, AMENRA is also working on film scores and music for theatre and contemporary dance performances, while outside of the band itself, the members further immerse themselves within various sonic endeavors including Oathbreaker, Hessian, The Black Heart Rebellion, Harlowe, CHVE and more, in addition to continually creating new artwork and visuals to accompany their musical output. Stand by for further announcements in the coming months.